Prada use bigger models on Milan catwalk

Prada breaks the mould using bigger models for the Milan runway

IT COULD BE the breakthrough so many have been waiting for; the catwalk waif may be a thing of the past.

Miuccia Prada – one of the leading designers in the world – has hinted at a move towards using curvier models as she sent a bustier model down the runway to show off a new jumper from her spring/summer 2008 collection.

Experts are predicting that the move will filter through to Paris Fashion week, which kicked off at the weekend, as designers respond to health fears fuelled by the deaths of three South American 'size zero' models.

The 'larger' Dutch model in question is Lara Stone, a size 8 with a 34in bust.

Meanwhile actress Helen Mirren has spoken out about the 'horrifically thin' models used in the fashion industry today.

The 62-year-old Oscar-winning star spoke to The Sunday Telegraph saying: 'I think it is completely iniquitous to have incredibly skinny girls on the runway. A lot of the girls are horrifically thin and of course they have a problem. Mostly the fashion industry chooses to turn a blind eye.'